Carnitas Style Pork Roast with Polenta
I love a good slow cooker meal. It makes a busy week seem much less intimidating. I love using the Carnitas Pork Loin Roast from Adaptable Meals as a main dish. Then I build the rest of dinner around it with the biggest part already taken care of. The Pork Loin Roast comes perfectly seasoned and ready to go, I just add a little water and switch the crockpot on.
Later on, I can focus on making the cheesy polenta that I pile the shredded Pork Loin Roast on top of. Having my quick pickled onions on hand are also an added bonus. Recipes are below!
ingredients
1 Carnitas Pork Roast by @AdaptableMeals
½ cup water
Polenta
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic, chopped
2 cups water
1 cup whole milk
1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
½ cup cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Pickled Onions
½ red onion sliced
½ cup white vinegar
¼ cup water vinegar
½ tbsp peppercorns
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp sugar
1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
instructions
1. Cook Carnitas Pork Roast according to package directions.
Polenta
2. Meanwhile in a large pot melt the butter, then add in your garlic. Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the water and the milk to the pot, bring to a boil.
4. Once water is boiling add the polenta little by little, whisking along the way.
5. Continue to stir periodically as the polenta cooks and becomes creamy. If the mixture is getting too thick, it is okay to add a little bit of water to thin it out.
6. After about 15 minutes, and the polenta has absorbed all the liquid and is at the desired consistency, remove from heat.
7. Fold in the cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.
Quick Pickled Onions
1. In a small saucepan add the white vinegar, water, peppercorns, garlic, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stir gently. Boil until salt and sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.
2. Place onions in a heat proof bowl or glass jar (not stainless steel!) pour the liquid over the onions, let marinate until you are ready to use them.
Assembly
1. Divide the polenta among shallow bowls and top with the shredded pork. Add desired toppings such as: quick pickled onions, cheddar cheese, scallions, cilantro, or sliced radishes.
RECIPE NOTES: